Topsail happenings

Friday

Feb 21, 2014 at 12:01 AMFeb 21, 2014 at 4:25 PM

Show some LOVE for Relay

Topsail Advertiser staff

Show some LOVE for Relay

Show some LOVE for Relay Dinner and Dance will be held Feb. 22 from 6 to 9 p.m. at River Landing Grand Ballroom, 109 Paddlewheel Drive in Wallace. The event includes a three-course dinner followed by a night of dancing. Suggested donation is $40 per person. All proceeds benefit the American Cancer Society

For more information, contact Tiffany Beavers at tiffany.beavers@cancer.org or 304-640-0529.

Phlip Phlop Bar Hop

The 3rd annual Phlip Phlop Bar Hop is being hosted by the Toes In The Water Parrothead Club on Topsail Island on March 15. The cost is $30/per person for the six-hour/six-bar pub crawl and scavenger hunt (includes T-shirt, beads and prizes). Proceeds will go to the Coastal Threapeutic Riding Program of Wilmington, whose mission is to provide equine assisted activities and therapies for individuals with special needs.

Early in-person registration will be held Feb. 20 at Trailer Bar from 5 to 7 p.m. and Feb. 24 at Gilligans from 5 to 7 p.m.

More information or to register online, go to tiparrotheadwebs.com.

Sneads Ferry baseball

Sneads Ferry baseball league looking for 8 to 10-year-old players to play 10u travel ball. Tryouts are Feb. 23 at 2 p.m. at Dixon Middle School. For more information, email sneadsferrybaseball@yahoo.com.

Soccer referee course

Surf City Community Center will host an introductory level USSF soccer referee course for 2014 on March 2 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m with online modules to be completed in advance. Participants will need to be 14 or older to be fully certified for game play and receive assignments. This will be the last 2014 new referee course held in the Topsail area.

Sign up for the course at ncsra.org. Cost is $75 for ages 16 and younger and $95 for 17 and older. For more information, contact instructor Steve Unger at hmvoice@aol.com, athletics@townofsturfcity.com, 910-328-4887 or 910-228-8679.

Mardi Gras Gala

The Coastal Pender Rotary Club will hold its second annual Mardi Gras Gala on March 1. The semi-formal event will be be held from 6 to 11 p.m. at Porters Neck Country Club. There will be New Orleans style heavy-hors d’oeuvers, a cash bar, dancing, silent auction and door prizes. All proceeds will benefit programs and services supported by the Coastal Pender Rotary Club. Tickets are $50 each. For more information, call 910-520-9449 or email bethfortunato@earthlink.net.

Mardi Gras dinner party

The Catholic community of Sneads Ferry invites the community to the ninth annual Mardi Gras potluck dinner party. The party will be held March 4 from 6 to 10 p.m. at the Sneads Ferry Community Center

The event will include dinner, music and dancing. Monetary donations will be accepted, and a 50/50 drawing is planned.

For more information or to RSVP, contact Evelyn Kerr at 910-327-2538 or scottyeve@embarqmail.com; or Bunky Gallaher at 910-327-2652 or gallaher144@gmail.com.

Try Hockey for Free day

Wilmington Icehawks invites boys and girls ages 4 to 10 to The Wilmington Icehouse on March 1 from 11:45 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. for a Try Hockey for Free clinic to experience ice hockey for the first time and learn the basics of the sport in a fun, safe environment.

To register for the Try Hockey for Free event, contact Richard Brouwer at 910-228-0310.

Hops of Spring Beer Festival

The Hops of Spring Beer Festival will move to a new location this year.

The festival, scheduled for April 26, will be held on 23 acres at 25488 US Hwy. 17 in Surf City after outgrowing its former site on Topsail Island.

The Hops of Spring Beer Festival, an event by the Greater Topsail Area Chamber of Commerce, features more than 20 breweries, and a myriad of food and shopping vendors.

Pre-sale tickets are available online through e-tixs.com and the Chamber’s website. Tickets are $25 for the entire day, April 26, noon to 7 p.m. Admission tickets include concerts and brews. Admission the day of the festival is $35 per person.

For more information, go to Facebook/HopsofSpringBeerFestival or topsailchamber.org, or call the Chamber at 910-329-4446.

Kiwanis scholarships

The Kiwanis Club of Topsail Island Area, continuing its long standing commitment to the young people of Onslow and Pender counties, has four scholarships in the amount of $3,000 each available for graduating seniors at Dixon and Topsail High Schools. Two of the four scholarships have the requirement that the applicant be a member in good standing of the school’s Key Club.

Additionally, the Kiwanis Club of Topsail Island Area has available a fifth scholarship in the amount of $2,500 for a graduating senior who is the child or grandchild of a current member of the Kiwanis Club of Topsail Island Area. North Carolina residency is not a requirement for the applicant.

Information and applications for the scholarships can be obtained by contacting the guidance counselors at Dixon High School or Topsail High School.

Cape Fear Chorale

Cape Fear Chorale presents Handel’s Israel in Egypt, an oratorio for soloists,orchestra and double choir conducted by Jerry Cribbs, April 6 at 4 p.m. in the Minnie Evans Arts Center, located on the campus of Ashley High School. There will be a 3:40 p.m. preconcert talk by Dr. Michael Daugherty

Admission is free; donations will be accepted. For more information, visit capefearchorale.org.

Tax help

AARP volunteers are now preparing and electronically filing federal and North Carolina state income taxes for 2013 free of charge. Trained and IRS certified volunteers from the services will be available at the Hampstead Library from 1 to 5 p.m. Mondays and at the Topsail Senior Center from 1 to 5 p.m. Wednesdays to answer questions and prepare and file personal tax returns. The free services are first-come, first-served.

Taxpayers should bring picture ID and Social Security card along with all financial, tax and wage statements for 2013.

Kiwanis golf tournament

The Kiwanis Club of Topsail Island Area golf tournament will be held May 3 at North Shore Country Club, on NC 210 in Sneads Ferry. Tee time is 8:30 a.m., and the format will be Captain’s Choice.

Kiwanis is anticipating a sell-out event, so golfers are encouraged not to wait until the last minute to register.Entry fees are $75 per individual and $300 for each team of four. Tournament business sponsorships are $250.

For more information or to register, contact Rick Benton at 910-604-3835 or Randy Cox at 910-777-2707 .

Winter boot camp

Spots are still available for “Boot Camp For Everyone,” held from 6 to 7 a.m. Tuesdays and Thrusdays through March 27 at Surf City Community Center. The session is $80 for members or $95 for non-members. Walk-ins are welcome at $5 per class (members) or $10 (non-members) space permitting.

A “Boot Camp Annual Membership” is $25 or a Senior Exercise Pass for ages 55+ is also $25 for any physical wellness activity. Participants must still pay for the session cost.

Just Keep Moving exercise program for active older adults features beginning Zumba on Fridays, gentle yoga on Mondays, seated fitness on Tuesdays and senior spinning on Thursdays, all from 10 to 11 am.

Participants should reserve a spot for all classes by calling 910-328-4887.

A new 6 p.m. Tuesday night yoga class is also being offered.

For more information, e-mail wellness@townofsurfcity.com or call 910-328-4887 during business hours.

Harlem Ambassadors

The Harlem Ambassadors Basketball team will take on the Topsail Fury team, comprised of local celebrities and officials, during an upcoming game to support local organizations.

The game will be held March 9 at 4 p.m. in the Topsail High School gym and includes Harlem-­style comedy basketball featuring high- flying slam dunks, games with kids and comedic action. There will be an autographs session with the Harlem Ambassadors after the game.

Tickets are $13 for adults and $11 for youth. Proceeds support Kiwanis of Hampstead youth programs and Topsail High School Athletic Boosters.

For information or tickets, go to ha-in-hampstead.brownpapertickets.com.

Pizza fundraiser

Emily’s Encouragers and Max’s Pizza invite the community to the annual pizza buffet on March 12 from 5 to 9 p.m. at Max’s Pizza. This year, 100 percent of the donations will go to Meagan Raynor to assist with her medical bills. Meagan has been diagnosed with classic hodgkin’s lymphoma and is currently having chemo treatments. Max’s Pizza donates all pizzas, soft drinks and coffee/tea; and all employees donate their time to the event. Emily’s Encouragers team continues in memory of 6-year-old Emily Grace Hollis, who lost her fight with anaplastic medulloblastoma in april 2008 after an 18-month battle.

Horse shelter

Pender County Animal Shelter is seeking community support to build a facility to help the abused and mistreated horses of Pender County.

The initial cost for the Pender County Horse Shelter Project is $25,000, which will build the facility, purchase a trailer and start a medical fund for abused horses. One-hundred percent of donations directed to the horse shelter will go to the project.

Donations can be sent to Pender County Animal Shelter Horse Fund; 803 South Walker St.; Burgaw, NC 28425. Be sure to write “Horse Fund” in the memo line.

For information on the Pender County Animal Shelter Equine Facility or the animal shelter itself, visit pendercountync.gov •r call 910-259-1484.

The screenings will be held at Topsail Senior Center on the third Tuesday of every month from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., and at Pender Adult Services on the fourth Thursday of every month from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

The Pender County Health Department also offers free blood pressure checks Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. High blood pressure can occur in the young or old, so it is important to have your blood pressure checked periodically no matter what your age. For more information, call the Pender County Health Department at 910-259-1230.

VFW Post 9983

The Veterans of Foreign Wars is a non-profit service organization for men and women who have served in the Armed Forces of the United States in combat areas. VFW Post 9983 is located at 188 Hines Stump Sound Church Road, one mile north of Holly Ridge at the flags. The canteen is open from 3 to 8 p.m. daily with extended hours for special events. The hall is available for rental and catering is available, special consideration for non-profits needing meeting space.

For more information, call 910-329-1881.

Carolina Girls Outdoor School

The Carolina Girls Outdoor School will be a series of hands-on seminars for women on March 15 during the Cape Fear Wildlife Expo in Wilmington at the Wilmington Convention Center.

Cost is $125 per person with one additional member at $75. This includes a three-day admission to the expo, a catered lunch, a T-shirt, a goody bag and door prize drawing for fishing and hunting outdoors trip.

Instruction will meet the needs of hunters and fisherwomen ranging from novice to advanced.

For more information on the school call 843-902-6532, email wc@capefearwildlifeexpo.com or brenda@capefearwildlifeexpo.com or visit capefearwildlifeexpo.com.

Cocktails with Mimi

The Sneads Ferry Community Theater’s upcoming production is the comedic Cocktails With Mimi by Mary Chase. Performance dates are Feb. 28 and March 1, 2, 7, 8 and 9. Fridays and Saturday showings are at 8 p.m. with Sunday matinées starting at 3 p.m.

Active Duty Military Appreciation Night, which features free admission with ID, is Feb. 27. Wine and cheese receptions are Feb. 28 and March 7 at 7:15 p.m.

Admission at the door is $10 for adults or $5 for studentswith ID.

Reservations for parties of 10 or more can be made by calling 910-327-2798.

The theater is located inside the Sneads Ferry Community Center at 126 Park Lane. For information, visit sneadsferrycommunitytheatre.com.

Jazz festival

The Ocean City Jazz Festival is held in North Topsail Beach on the July 4 weekend.

For more information, visit oceancityjazzfest.com or email info@oceancityjazzfest.com.

Faith Harbor UMC

Celebrate Recovery invites the community to join together every Friday night to find freedom from life’s hurts, hang-ups and habits. Meals are served at 6 p.m. followed by worship and group gatherings.

Share the Table is a free community meal offered to anyone who is hungry or lonely. There are no eligibility requirements, and meals are free. Families and individuals are welcome. Doors open on Sundays at 5:30 p.m., and serving begins at 6 and ends at 7. Volunteers are welcome. Call 910-328-4422 for more information.

Faith Harbor United Methodist Church invites the community to worship and celebrate every Sunday. The church is located on the mainland side of the swing bridge in Surf City with services at 8 and 9:20 a.m. For more information, call 910-328-4422, visit faithharborumc.org or like them on Facebook.

Battleship North Carolina hours

The Battleship North Carolina is operating on its fall/winter schedule.

Through May 26, the battleship will be open daily from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. except Christmas Day when the ship opens at noon. The Battleship North Carolina is located on the Cape Fear River across from downtown Wilmington. For information, visit battleshipnc.com or follow them at Facebook.com/or and Twitter.com/battleshipnc.

Caregiver support group

Family members, friends and caregivers of patients with Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia are invited to a family caregiver support group on the second Thursday of each month.

Caregivers will have the opportunity to meet other people facing the same circumstances, discuss challenges and receive support.

For more information, contact Ann LaReau at 910-470-2378.

Surf City Community Center

Surf City Community Center is open Monday and Wednesday from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Tuesday and Thursday from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Friday from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Saturday from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.; and Sunday from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m.

The current class schedule is available online at townofsurfcity.com

For more information, to register or inquire about teaching a new class, call 910-328-4887, email parksandrec@townofsurfcity.com or visit townofsurfcity.com.

Animal adoptions

Give a loving pet a home.

Pender County Animal Shelter Adoptions are from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, and Saturdays from noon to 4 p.m.

The adoption fee for dogs is $60 and includes spay/neuter, rabies, distemper/parvo & kennel cough vaccines, deworming and 30-day flea/tick treatment. The $40 adoption fee for cats includes spay/neuter, rabies and FVRCP, deworming and 30-day flea/tick treatment. Microchips are $15 with a lifetime enrollment.

Pender Animal Shelter is located at 3280 New Savannah Road in Burgaw. Call 910-259-1484 for more information or directions.

Master’s Touch Resale Store

Help support community outreach to those in need by shopping at Master’s Touch Resale Store, an interdenominational resale store located at 1056 Highway 210, Unit 3, in Sneads Ferry. Items for sale include gently used and some new items. All proceeds support the ministry of helping others. The store is open Wednesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Donations are accepted during regular hours.

Sneads Ferry Rotary Club

The Sneads Ferry Rotary Club meets Wednesdays at noon at Madison’s Restaurant, located on N.C. 172 in Sneads Ferry.

CHEW!

The Dixon Elementary CHEW! (Children Healthy Eating on Weekends) Program assists children in the community by providing backpacks filled with child-friendly, easy to prepare meals throughout the weekend. CHEW! needs donations to stock and maintain a supply of non-perishable food items that will provide nutrition for approximately 40 students each weekend. For more information or to donate, contact Kim Nelson, school social worker, at 910-327-2392 or kim.nelson@onslow.k12.nc.us

Mama J’s Helping Hand

Mama J’s helps people in need by providing them with food, clothing, household goods and baby items like diapers, wipes, formula and clothing. Mama J’s also helps people who are struggling with everyday issues and welcomes them to come in and talk. Call Mama J’s at 910-327-1302 for an updated list of specifics that are needed. Mama J’s Helping Hand is located at 2205 Hwy. 172 in Sneads Ferry. For more information, email jeanette0621@yahoo.com.

Baby FAST

The Baby FAST program in Pender County — designed to strengthen family relationships; build connections with families, schools, churches and the community; improve babies’ development and well-being; and reduce in-home stress — is seeking assistance. For more information and to help, contact Melanie Gatton at mgatton@taffinc.org or 910-777-8244.

Masons

Stump Sound No. 733 Masonic Lodge in Sneads Ferry meets on the second and fourth Tuesday of every month.

Members meet at 6:30 for a meal, and Lodge begins at 7:30 for qualified Masons.

Boy Scout Troop 937 in Sneads Ferry meets every Wednesday at 7 p.m. at First United Methodist Church, located at Lakeside Drive and N.C. 172. For more information, contact Harvey Hoopes at 910-327-0069 or harveyhoopes@gmail.com.

New River Garden Club

New River Garden Club meets the fourth Thursday of every month. Membership is open to all who would like to share a love of gardening, community service and conservation. For more information, contact Tommi Allen at 912-660-5274 or tallen@coastalpermits.com

Hampstead Marine Corps League

The Hampstead Detachment 1321 of Marine Corps League meets the second Tuesday of each month at 7 p.m. at the Topsail Senior Center located next to Pender Pines Nursery. New members, both Marines and FMF Navy corpsman, are welcome.

Sneads Ferry Extension

The Sneads Ferry Extension and Community Association meets the third Thursday of the month from 1:15 to 3 p.m. at the Senior Citizens Building on N.C. 172. Learn about various issues for the community and well-being, do some crafts, work the concession stand at Sneads Ferry Monday Night Bingo (the club’s fundraiser for a scholarship to a deserving student at Dixon High). For more information, contact Ida MacNamara at 910-327-0718 or idamac1@embarqmail.com.

Hampstead Women’s Club

The Hampstead Women’s Club is a nonprofit organization that donates thousands of dollars annually to area schools and other worthwhile organizations. This is made possible through the members who volunteer daily to process donated goods and sell them at the Hampstead Thrift Shop. General meetings are held the second Wednesday of the month at 10 a.m. at the Hampstead Community Building, 14435 Highway 17. Membership applications are available at the Hampstead Thrift Shop.